Discover Tuxford: Museums, Windmill and Local History

Tuxford combines unusual museums, a working windmill and striking historic buildings with a convenient location on the A1. Anyone looking to combine a trip with culture, local history and a signposted trail will find several different points of interest here. When searching for a holiday apartment in Tuxford, it is worth considering in advance which of these experiences you want to make the focus of your stay.

Museums with Special Collections

The Walks of Life Museum arranges visits by appointment. It is located on the A6075, directly beside the A1 and on the outskirts of Tuxford. The museum stands out for its collection of one of the largest groups of hand-propelled vehicles in the United Kingdom. It therefore offers an insight into a collection that differs significantly from conventional art or technology museums.

Another unusual destination is the Museum of the Horse. It is one minute from the A1 and can be reached via the “Tuxford and Ollerton” exit on the A6075. The collection covers riding and equestrian sports objects dating from 600 BC to the 20th century. The items are spread across nine rooms and two passageways. Another special exhibit is an original stagecoach, of which only a few have survived. For travellers who enjoy exploring historical subjects through tangible objects, this can make for a varied day at the museums.

Windmill and Craft Tradition

Tuxford Windmill is a traditional windmill that is still in operation. It uses wind power to produce stone-ground flour. The mill therefore represents an engaging form of traditional production: not only the building itself, but also the production process described here makes it a destination in its own right when exploring the town. If you are travelling with children, this direct insight into the processing of grain can add another facet to the historical museum experience, without implying any specific visitor offering or opening hours.

Church and Historic Buildings

The Church of St Nicholas is a parish church with structural elements from the 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th centuries. Its building history includes a clerestory dating from 1473 and a chancel rebuilt around 1495. Particularly notable are the tower from the early 14th century, an openwork spire from the late 14th century and two gargoyles.

The nave contains the canopy cover of a font dating from 1662, made by Francis Turner. Another testament to the town's history is The Old Lock Up, a prison building from 1823 with red brick walls, a hipped roof covered with plain clay tiles and barred round-arched blank panels. Together, these buildings offer several historical perspectives that you can include in your plans independently of the museum collections.

Trail and Travel Planning

The Tuxford–Fledborough section of the Dukeries Trail 7 runs mostly along roads. Green waymarkers and signs to Harby and Lincoln indicate the route. Take this information into account when planning your day and choose accommodation that suits your preferred mix of excursions. The location on the A1 is also a practical reference point for your journey: the Walks of Life Museum is directly beside the motorway, and the Museum of the Horse can be reached via the aforementioned exit onto the A6075. When choosing a holiday apartment in Tuxford, it may therefore be crucial to decide whether you mainly want to explore museums and architectural history or also include the trail in your trip.

For further searches on the portal, you will also find Huthwaite, Dunham, Ollerton, Trowell, Winthorpe, Thurgarton, South Clifton and Mansfield.

For the overarching travel overview: Nottinghamshire.